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Schlitter claims final spot in Cubs' bullpen

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Schlitter's Major League debut 0:25

6/28/10: Brian Schlitter strikes out two batters in 2/3 of an inning of relief in his Major League debut

By Barry M. Bloom and Carrie Muskat
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MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- The Cubs finalized their 25-man roster and final slot in the bullpen on Saturday by adding right-hander Brian Schlitter and designating right-hander Alberto Cabrera for assignment, manager Rick Renteria said before their final exhibition game of the spring against the D-backs at Chase Field.

The moves will be made procedurally on Sunday and are effective for Monday's season opener at Pittsburgh.

"Schlit really did a great job this spring," Renteria said. "After we assigned him, he kept doing his job, still kept doing his thing. We'd bring him back and use him, so he stuck to it."

Schlitter was 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA this spring, allowing 10 hits and two earned runs while walking only one and striking out nine in 8 2/3 innings over eight appearances.

Cabrera had looked sharp early. But in his last two outings, he struggled, including a game against the Angels on Tuesday, in which he gave up five runs on four hits over a third of an inning. Cabrera was 0-1 with 6.97 ERA in 10 1/3 innings covering 10 appearances and is out of options.

"He obviously gives us a lot of flexibility," Renteria said. "He could be a multi-inning type guy. He has tremendous downward plane in his action. He's pretty good. So we would feel comfortable using him in any capacity."